The London Underground map may seem complex, but it’s easy to use. Stations have maps and attendants to help, and tickets can be bought for single or unlimited use. The system is divided into zones, and lines are color-coded. Rush hour is busy, and the system shuts down at night.
A first glance at a London Underground map is enough to make even the most intrepid explorer think again. It is a web of colored and intertwined lines. However, if you take the time to check the map in detail, the system is extremely simple to use.
Finding your way around London using the tube, or tube as it is also called, is not as difficult as it sounds. Most London Underground stations have maps on the walls and station attendants who are helpful in answering questions. Tickets can be purchased from the machines either for a single journey or for unlimited daily, weekly or monthly use.
The London Underground is divided into zones. Central London, commonly known as the West End, is Zone 1. The further away you are from the West End, the higher the zone number. The cost of your trip depends on how many zones you pass through during your trip. If you buy an unlimited day, week or month pass, London Transport buses are included.
London Underground lines are color coded. The Northern Line, running from High Barnet in the north to Morden in the south, is represented by a black line on the map. The Central Line is red and, as the name suggests, runs from east to west, passing through central London. There are a total of 12 different colored lines in the London Underground system.
When in London, an easy way to find a location is to ask someone which tube station is closest to your intended destination. The tube stations in central London are quite close together. For example, if you’re in the heart of the cinema district, known as Leicester Square, it’s only 20 seconds on the tube from Piccadilly Circus.
By using the London Underground map and plotting your journey, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding your destination. If you find yourself going the wrong way, simply get off at the next station and cross the platform to the other side. There are also maps within each train to ensure you can see where you are going and are on the right train. Each stop you approach will be notified by a loudspeaker in the train.
If you are a holiday visitor to London, you might do well to avoid rush hour. Central London Underground is always very busy during the day. During rush hour, it gets completely packed with people. The term sardines in a can is no exaggeration when it comes to rush hour on the London Underground. Rush hour in the morning is usually from about 8am to 9pm In the evening, it usually lasts from about 6pm to 9pm
Also be aware that during the summer months the London Underground gets extremely hot. There is usually no air conditioning except for open windows at either end of the carriage. Unlike the subway systems in many major cities, such as New York City, the London Underground shuts down at night. The last train on the Metro is usually around 11am or midnight and the system doesn’t reopen until around 6:30pm. This is when London’s night buses come in handy and can be included as part of your tube pass.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
